HIT: The Third Case - Nani's Unconventional Cop Role Falls Flat

A Cop with a Twist

Actress Srinidhi Shetty humorously remarks, "I like grey... in your beard," when Nani, portraying Arjun, one of the most unrefined cop-heroes, inquires about her attraction to him.

This raises an interesting point. What kind of woman would genuinely want to be involved with a man who treats women as if they were worthless? Arjun's father, played by the underutilized Samuthirakani, is seen desperately searching for potential matches for his grumpy son on various apps.

A Case of Political Incorrectness

However, it seems like a hopeless situation. Arjun embodies a whirlwind of political incorrectness, navigating through intense police encounters where suspects are subjected to extreme measures. Watching this cop drama feels like a chore, as he rationalizes his actions by claiming that these individuals do not deserve to live.

But who is Arjun to make such judgments? Naturally, he is the hero! Nani portrays this quick-tempered cop with a mix of crudeness and brutality, remaining relentless despite the numerous obstacles thrown his way.

Anger Management Issues

Clearly, Arjun struggles with anger management, as evidenced by his outburst at a man simply shaking his leg during a conversation. This behavior seems more fitting for Nana Patekar than for Nani. Yet, who are we to critique? The trend of actors taking on roles that cater to their fan base by showcasing a 'different' (read: aggressive) persona is a troubling pattern in the industry.

Nani seems to fall into this trap, expecting the audience to embrace it as well. This poorly crafted action film resembles a nightmarish version of Govind Nihalani's Ardh Satya, where the cop, overwhelmed by a corrupt system, resorts to violence against a powerful politician.

Confusing Villains and Franchises

While I can't speak for the cop-hero Arjun, I found the villain in Hit Case 3, known as Alpha, to be particularly irritating. He leads an underground organization with seemingly world-ending ambitions. Understanding the motivations of a character played by Prateik Babbar is as perplexing as unraveling the mystery of why certain actors continue to find work despite their lack of talent.

A broader question arises: how did Nani end up in the third installment of this flawed franchise? It feels akin to Salman Khan's Sikander reaching a third chapter.

A Dead Franchise

The essence is clear: a star, regardless of their fame, cannot revive a lifeless franchise. HIT: The Third Case is undoubtedly a chaotic affair. The hero's behavior resembles that of a chainsaw-wielding maniac, while the villain acts like a spoiled child wreaking havoc in a store.

The dialogue attempts to be 'cool' but often collapses under its own cleverness. The writing appears to be a hasty scrawl. For reasons unknown, the cop hero decides to head to Kashmir to confront terrorists. Is he seeking punishment?

There must be some explanation for the hero's erratic behavior, as if he is under the influence of something beyond mere self-punishment.